Trent Bridge

General News | 31st October 2008

Sidebottom Left Out Of Stanford Squad

Ryan Sidebottom has lost his battle to feature in England’s showpiece fixture against Stanford Superstars.

Sidebottom has struggled with a calf strain and a stomach bug but will still win share of $1 million if England win the game.

Notts trio Samit Patel, Graeme Swann and Stuart Broad will all play but there’s no place for Jimmy Anderson, Ravi Bopara or Alistair Cook.

"It was never going to be the easiest decision, in fact it was one of the hardest decisions I've had to make in terms of carrying 11 players on the field," said England captain Kevin Pietersen.

"We haven't played a second spinner for I don't know how long but unfortunately conditions have meant Jimmy has to miss out.

"But he has taken it brilliantly well, he has been absolutely fantastic at training.

"It has been very difficult for him, especially being an integral part of the team for the past 12 months.

"He has taken the field on every occasion but we realise that we play to win for England and unfortunately the circumstances have arisen in terms of the pitch, and the outfield, and the way games have gone. We have to play another spinner.

"It is not as though the lads have been left out and nothing is going to happen if we win, there is still a buzz about stuff and we all want to win."

The game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports from 9.30pm on Saturday.

How Stanford’s $20,000,000 will be split:$1m each for the 11 players on the winning team$1m split between the four non-playing squad members$1m split between the winning backroom staff$3.5m split between the ECB and WICB